Highlights: Dundee United 1-3 Hibernian

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland at Tannadice

Late goals from substitutes Kieron Bowie and Junior Hoilett gave Hibernian a dramatic late victory at Tannadice as they moved above hosts Dundee United into fourth in the Scottish Premiership.

Bowie's fabulous strike in the 90th minute, followed by Hoilett's calm finish on the break a full 10 minutes later, brought a somewhat drab second half to a thrilling end and extended Hibs' unbeaten run to 14 matches.

Those goals came after United had a second-half Sam Dalby header disallowed following a lengthy VAR check, which deemed the striker had headed the ball onto his own arm before it flew into the net.

United had taken an early lead through defender Ross Graham's deflected shot, but it was cancelled out 12 minutes later when Mykola Kukharevich headed in Nicky Cadden's corner.

After that there was a lull in the game before the tense final quarter, and Hibs eventually exacted a measure of revenge after losing two stoppage time goals on their last visit to Tannadice.

United went close to an equaliser after Bowie's thumping strike when Vicko Sevelj shot just wide and Ryan Strain had a last-gasp free-kick saved, but when those chances came and went Hibs sealed it when Hoilett finished calmly on the break.

Hibs motoring towards third spot

This was a match the Hibs of the first half of the season - who at one point were rock bottom of the Premiership - would have lost.

In fact, they did lose late on against United in October, with Joe Newell's red card eventually leading to the concession of two goals in stoppage time.

Now they carry a potent threat up front and have cultured players in the middle of the park, with Nectarios Triantis at the heart of much of their good work, sliding through a brilliant pass for Bowie to effectively win it.

David Gray's side are far more resilient in defence as well, with the back three of Jack Iredale, Rocky Bushiri and Warren O'Hora looking solid.

On this form, and with this momentum, Hibs will strongly fancy their chances of overtaking Aberdeen, now just one point in front, and finishing third.

Their only defeat in their last 17 games was against leaders Celtic, and they even managed to get the better of them at the weekend.

Next up, rivals Hearts at Easter Road on Sunday.

United left frustrated by calls & late lapse

Before the match, United manager Jim Goodwin said a point would not be a disaster, as it would have taken his side third on goal difference while maintaining momentum following the weekend win over Motherwell.

The fact his side were so close will frustrate him - as will some of the refereeing by David Dickinson and his team.

There was widespread confusion as to why Dalby's effort was ruled out, with an initial offside check aborted due to an inability for VAR Matthew MacDermid to draw the lines due to the number of players blocking the view.

When guidance filtered through that it was for handball, it made things clearer but the replays did not scream a clear and obvious infringement.

Moreover, before Bowie's winner, United were insistent they should have had a corner. Hibs were awarded a goal kick, and a minute later they scored.

Overall, though this was still a pretty good showing from United, who were applauded off by a home crowd who didn't see those late Hibs goals coming.

United looked particularly threatening from the wide areas, in which Will Ferry and Ryan Strain excelled, hitting double figures for crosses between them.

There' is still plenty to play for in United's season, with a top-six finish - and potentially better - very much in their own hands.

What they said

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "It'll be clear to everyone will understand why we're frustrated, disappointed and a bit angry. Big decisions went against us.

"At 1-1 we score what we think is a very good goal. It gets chalked off for a handball. It takes about 3-4 minutes for the VAR guys to decide it hits his hand.

"I've watched it from six or seven different angles and I can't for the life of me see where it hits his hand."

Hibernian head coach David Gray: "A huge three points, especially when we haven't played at our best.

"The subs made a massive impact and I'm delighted for them. Then you saw the scenes at the end, even the ones that didn't play. That squad togetherness is there.

"It keeps the momentum going and now we focus on chasing Aberdeen down."

Related topics